Measured in Smiles

The debate over classroom sizes in the United States has been in the news lately. The current financial state of education has brought the fundamentals of math to the forefront of this debate; math, as it pertains to ratios in classrooms.

According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a staff-to-child ration of 1:10 for 3- to 4-year-olds is highly recommended for classes with fewer than 20 children. Mi Escuelita Preschool, accredited by NAEYC, aims to do one better than this recommendation. Mi Escuelita maintains a 1:9 teacher-to-child ratio, meaning that there is one teacher for every 9 students in the classroom. The average Mi Escuelita classroom has a total of 18 children in it.

While the ratio of teacher-to-student may be a "hot button" issue in today's news, Mi Escuelita has always believed that more opportunity for one-on-one instruction allows children a better chance at success. What better way to accomplish this than giving students and teachers an ideal setting where all children have equal opportunity to have their needs addressed.

In their study "Eager to Learn: Educating our Preschoolers", the National Research Council suggests that an optimal learning environment for preschoolers combines a small staff-to-child ratio with a small class (or group) size. This optimal learning environment is the very reasoning for Mi Escuelita's maintaning of a 1:9 ratio in the classrooms. Its the simplicity of the math that makes sense for the children of Mi Escuelita; two teachers in every classroom means more personal attention and an overall structured environment for all Mi Escuelita students.

Research, math and common sense all play a part in Mi Escuelita's classroom ratio guidelines, but how are these measured? Walking into a Mi Escuelita classroom and observing the children, the outcomes become very apparent. The close knit community that is formed within the classroom. The undeniable, loving bonds the children form with their teachers. The flexibility teachers are given to allow their talents to shine. The huge smiles on the faces of the students and the teachers. These are measurements of an optimal learning environment; not measured in increments of numbers but by the number of lives touched.